Incubus Ascension

Liam stood in the dim light of Vanessa’s modest home, the weight of unspoken truths pressing down on his chest like an anchor. The familiar scent of herbs and woodsmoke lingered in the air, grounding him even as his mind raced ahead to the dangers lurking beyond this continent.

Vanessa studied him closely, her sharp eyes narrowing with concern. "Tell me what’s wrong," she said softly, setting aside the cloth she’d been folding.

Liam let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. He had rehearsed this moment in his head a dozen times, yet the words still felt heavy on his tongue. "This continent... it’s not what we thought. It’s like the back of a massive monster. The real power, the real opportunities, they’re on the main continent. That’s where everything important is happening."

Shock rippled across Vanessa’s face, her usual composure cracking. She stared at him, searching his expression as if hoping he might laugh and call it a poor joke. "So... you will leave this continent and go to the main one?"

Tears welled in her eyes before she could stop them. She wiped them away quickly with the back of her hand, turning her head slightly as if ashamed of the vulnerability.

Liam stepped forward and gently gripped her shoulders, his touch steady despite the ache in his own chest. ’She’s been through enough already. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.’ "I’ll come back," he promised, his voice low and sincere. "I’ll return to this continent from time to time and check on you and the others. You’re not alone in this."

Vanessa’s voice trembled as she looked up at him. "So you wouldn’t forget me, isn’t it?"

Liam shook his head, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips despite everything. "No. Don’t worry. I will not forget you. I couldn’t even if I wanted to."

That earned him a fragile smile from her. She took a shaky breath. "Even though I want to follow you... I still need to take care of Rim and my daughter. I can’t come. Unfortunately."

He nodded, understanding blooming warmly in his chest. "That’s completely understandable. I just wanted you to know."

She gave a small nod, composing herself. "So when would you go?"

"As soon as I tell everyone else. Then I’ll pack my things and leave this place."

"Good luck," she whispered, the words carrying both blessing and sorrow.

Liam stepped out of her house and pulled the door shut behind him. He drew in a deep, steadying breath, and for the first time in hours, his steps felt lighter, unburdened by the secret he had carried. He shook his head, murmuring to himself, ’This is her choice now. And I’ll respect it.’ The path ahead was uncertain, but at least one piece of his heart felt settled.

When he returned to Olivia’s house, the familiar warmth of the gathering space greeted him. His eyes widened at the sight of Sylvia standing among the girls.

Beatrix noticed his surprise and offered a quick explanation. "We figured we should call her and tell her."

Liam nodded gratefully. "Thank you."

Sylvia met his gaze with quiet intensity. "Thank you for sharing this information with me. But I want you to please not tell anyone else about it. This information would cause unrest if people heard it—knowing they were living under a huge monster’s back."

"Of course," Liam replied without hesitation. "Don’t worry. This stays between us."

She nodded once, satisfied, then slipped out of the house with the same graceful efficiency she always carried.

Liam turned to the girls, raising the silver card so it caught the light. "Hmm. Did you pack everything we need?"

They nodded in unison. "Yes."

"Very well," he said, a spark of determination igniting in his chest. "Let’s go and follow the location in the silver card."

Beatrix hesitated, her brow furrowing slightly. "Didn’t we agree we would go there when we raised our levels high enough?"

"That was the plan," Liam admitted, meeting her eyes steadily. "But you never know what enemy we’ll meet next. We need to go there and explore as soon as possible."

Beatrix considered his words for a moment, then gave a firm nod. "This seems logical."

They set off together, the silver card guiding their steps toward the outer edge of the dark forest. The trees grew denser, the air heavier with anticipation. Eventually, they reached a towering cliff that overlooked a sheer drop. Liam peered down, his pulse quickening at the sight of the hidden promise below.

He began climbing down carefully, testing each hold. His fingers brushed against stone until he found it—a dark space veiled by what looked like a black curtain. He pushed his head through, and for a heart-stopping second, his vision blurred. He pulled back quickly, then tested with his hand. It vanished completely before he yanked it free again, intact.

"It looks safe," he called up to the girls, his voice echoing slightly. "You can come down here."

One by one, they descended and followed him through the portal. The transition was seamless yet disorienting. On the other side, they emerged onto an identical cliff, but the sky had opened up into a steady rain. Cool droplets pattered against their skin, carrying the fresh scent of petrichor and untamed wilderness.

"Different weather on each continent," Liam observed quietly, wiping rain from his eyes.

Together they climbed to the highest point. The view that greeted them stole Liam’s breath for a moment. Mana hung thick in the air, almost visible in shimmering currents. His body responded instinctively—his control over dark energy sharpened, and his skin seemed to drink in the ambient power with every breath.

Ast rose onto her toes, expanding her chest as she inhaled deeply. "This place is way better than the previous one."

Liam nodded, a quiet thrill running through him. ’We’re finally stepping into something real.’ He turned to the girls. "Let’s walk and explore our area slowly. The average level here is 200. We can’t even harm something like that yet."

They stayed close as they ventured forward, moving as a tight unit. Soon the dense forest swallowed them, and a river appeared, splitting the woods like a silver vein. Liam raised a hand. "Let’s take a stop here."

They settled near the water’s edge. The girls unpacked their simple dinner, and for a few peaceful minutes, the only sounds were the gentle rush of the river and the patter of rain on leaves. Liam felt a rare moment of calm—watching them eat, sharing this fragile safety together anchored him more than any system prompt ever could.

Then came the footsteps.

A dark figure lunged from the shadows. Before Liam could react, strong hands clamped over his eyes, plunging the world into absolute blackness. His heart slammed against his ribs. Panic surged as he grabbed at the arms, straining with all his strength, but they wouldn’t budge.

’Damn it!’ He cursed inwardly and frantically opened his system interface, scrolling through the shop with desperate speed. There—a potion labeled "Status Effect Lifter." He purchased it instantly and downed the contents in one gulp.

Sight returned in a rush. The figure was gone. The clearing was empty except for the rain and the abandoned meal.

"Run!" he had already shouted earlier, and thankfully the girls had listened. Liam followed their tracks through the underbrush, heart still pounding, until he found them huddled safely a short distance away.

"We ran the moment we heard your shout," Beatrix said, breathless but steady.

"Good. That was the best thing you could have done." Relief washed over him. "Stay here. I’ll go check."

He made his way back to the riverbank alone. There, standing near where he had been sitting, was the shadow—a level 201 monster. It hadn’t dealt any real damage, only inflicted that blinding curse. Their eyes met.

The creature charged.

Liam cursed sharply, lifting his hands in a defensive stance as adrenaline flooded his veins.